Free Tour Discovering the Hidden History of First Base Day Centre

Share this story

BHT’s grade II* listed building in the centre of Brighton operates as a lifeline to homeless men and women each day, but this beautiful building also holds a hidden and fascinating history.

Built as the ballroom to the Castle Inn in the Old Steine, it quickly became the place to be seen for Brighton’s fashionable crowd. It later became the Chapel to the Royal Pavilion before being sold to Brighton Corporation in 1850 and moved to its current location on Montpelier Place, where it opened as St Stephen’s Church.

Closed as a place of worship in 1939 due to a dwindling congregation, it has been in charitable use ever since. First Base Day Centre has recently undergone a total renovation to improve the day centre facilities including restoration of many of the original features.

The renovation is an excellent example of how an historic building can be sensitively adapted.

Come and learn about this building’s hidden history and its restoration on a free tour on Thursday 29 May, 6pm – 7pm or on Saturday 31 May, 11am – 12noon.